The Fairleigh Dickinson University poll conducted shortly before the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for states to legalize sports betting found that 50 per cent of Americans favour it, with 37 per cent opposed.

Supporters say people are doing it anyway, and cite extra tax revenue to states as benefits.

Opponents fear expanding sports betting will lead to more people with gambling problems.

Ruling on a case from New Jersey, the court struck down a ban on sports betting in all but four states. It allowed individual states to pass laws legalizing sports betting.

A big unanswered question is whether the sports leagues will be able to force gambling companies or states to share part of the proceeds with them.